The Creative Process in Science and Engineering

Abstract

This chapter discusses the elements defining the creative thinking process within the scientific and engineering domains, in the light of the dynamic definition of creativity. Elements such as dynamism, time and space dependence, and the variables influencing the potential of the creative process in both realms are described. The contrast and co-existence of both creative achievement and inconclusiveness are presented, indicating that extensive exploration, multiple trials and errors, as well as difficulty or absence of recognition are constitutive elements of the creative process. These concepts are mapped onto the classic 4Ps framework, to achieve a broad view about the creative process in science and engineering, which are shown to be distinguishable but connected through an epistemological circle, with impact on both knowledge and practical endeavors.